Every year, the Islamic community around the world celebrates Ramadan, one of the most important holidays for the Islamic religion. In this year 2022, it began in the month of opening, although it should be noted that not every year it is celebrated on the same dates, since this depends largely on the lunar cycle. In today's post we will talk about what is the Ramadan, when it is celebrated, what rules are followed, and many more curiosities in relation to this celebration.
The month in which Ramadan begins is a very special moment for millions of people who follow a series of guidelines that unites faith with the traditions of their culture. The sighting of the crescent moon indicates the first official day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and for them it is more sacred.
Knowing the origin of Ramadan
First of all, we want to point out that the beginning of Ramadan, as we have mentioned before, changes every year since the Islamic lunar calendar takes into account the phases of this. Both its beginning and its end will be marked by the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia.
The origin of this celebration was already part of the ancient Arab calendars that have been found throughout history. The name comes from an Arabic root "ar-ramad", whose meaning is "scorching heat".
The Muslim community tells and believes that in 610 AD, the figure of the angel Gabriel was presented to his prophet, Mohammed, to reveal the Koran. For those who do not know what the Koran is, it is the holy book for the followers of Islam. This apparition and revelation that we have explained to you is believed to have taken place during Ramadan.
This sacred book that we have discussed, has a total of 144 chapters. These written documents are believed to be direct words spoken by God or Allah. Other types of writings accompany the Koran such as thoughts or words said by his prophet Mohammed.
When is Ramadan celebrated?
When the The month of Ramadan for Muslims is not simply a time of fasting, but for the vast majority it is a period of time where spirituality it is lived to the fullest, in which reflection, prayer and the sacrifice of not eating food are invited. These acts are a way to renew their faith and get closer to their god Ala.
In addition to what we have mentioned, it is also a period of time when families get together and celebrate since, at this time, family ties, friendships and especially with the community of Islam are reinforced. There are five main pillars of Islam, which must be complied with: feeling of faith, practice of prayer, sharing wealth with those who need it most, pilgrimage to Mecca and Ramadan.
As we indicated at the beginning of the publication, Ramadan is celebrated in the ninth month according to the Islamic calendar, which as we have said varies according to the cycle that the moon follows. This year it has been celebrated in the months of opening and May.
What is Ramadan about?
During the weeks of Ramadan, the Muslim community not only grows spiritually with oneself, but the relationship with their god becomes much stronger. To follow Ramadan correctly, a series of guidelines must be followed that must be strictly adhered to.
Fasting, must be done between sunrise and sunset, this is mandatory for all Muslims; People who are sick, pregnant, elderly or minors are excluded. Fasting must be strict and when we say strict it is because you cannot even drink water during this process until the end of the sunset.
The times when they can sit at the table and eat, it is a opportunity for all members of the family to come together and break the fast together.
When the end of Ramadan arrives, Muslims celebrate it with Eid al-Fitr, or what is the same, the feast of the breaking of the fast., which begins with prayers at dawn. During the days that this festival lasts, the followers of Ramadan gather to pray, eat, give each other details and to pay their respects to people who are no longer among them.
Something that is undeniable, is the sentiment and tradition that the Muslim community puts into this very special moment for them.
What is eaten in Ramadan?
During Ramadan, two different meals take place, one of them is suhoor and the other is iftar.. The first one takes place before sunrise. A feast of food is held to appease hunger throughout the day. It is advisable to eat the suhoor several hours before sunrise. At this time, dishes with proteins, sugars or satiating foods are usually cooked, since it will be the last thing they eat throughout the day.
After sunset, the second meal, the iftar, begins. This is usually divided into two different parts; lighter foods before the prayer and a heavier one after it. The foods that are mainly consumed during the month of Ramadan are carbohydrates such as rice, cereals or bread. Proteins from both meat and fish. Also dairy products and their derivatives and without forgetting vegetables and fruit.
Example of food intake in Ramadan
Then We are going to show you what a Muslim can consume in the hours in which he can eat during the month of Ramadan. We remind you that this is an example, not everyone does and consumes the same.
During the breakfast (iftar) the body asks you to eat food for energy, for this reason there are those who take dates, a glass of juice and a cup of soup or some carbohydrates. Before dawn, it is not recommended that you eat in large quantities to avoid feeling heavy, it is best to have a light meal. For this you can eat cereals, breads, dairy products, fruits, salads, soups, etc.
At dinner time it is advisable to consume a variety of foods but without exceeding the quantities; meat, fish, cereals, milk, vegetables and fruits. In order not to feel sick during fasting, as we have told you, it is best not to eat too heavy meals, they must be balanced, that is a main key to our health.
At what age can this celebration start?
Here, one of the most repeated questions when this month begins. Any Muslim who has passed the stage of puberty is ready to start Ramadan. There is no exact age, but an age range between 13 and 14 years is considered.
As we have commented, there are a number of exceptions either for health reasons or for other circumstances such as the chronically ill, mentally ill, pregnant or lactating women, menstruating women, diabetics or the elderly.
As you can see, there are many curiosities behind this month of celebration of Ramadan. A period of time, where the relationship with his religion grows, with his faith and above all with his god.
There are five pillars of Islam that everyone should know. The first of them Sawm, we talk about fasting from sunset until it hides. Shahadah, is the belief that there is no deity other than their God and their prophet Mohammed. Zakat, the third pillar that tells us about giving charity to those who need it. The fourth pillar is Salah, which invites five prayers a day. Finally Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in the life of Muslims.